Monday, April 27, 2009
Can You Imagine?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Psalm 73
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped.
3For I was envious of the foolish and arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten and plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe].
7Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; and the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies].
8They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously].
9They set their mouths against and speak down from heaven, and their tongues swagger through the earth [invading even heaven with blasphemy and smearing earth with slanders].
10Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them.
11And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?
12Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.
13Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency.
14For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning.
15Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue and have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children.
16But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end.
18[After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin and destruction.
19How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors!
20As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show.
21For my heart was grieved, embittered, and in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder].
22So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand.
24You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You.
26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.
27For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You and like [spiritual] harlots depart from You.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Psalm 107:28-30
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and He brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and He guided them to their desired haven.